FCC Formally Erases Fairness Doctrine

The Fairness Doctrine, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented in 1949 to require broadcasters to present both sides of controversial issues, became less relevant as cable TV exploded in the 1980s. So the FCC dropped the rule in 1987, but it never erased the language implementing it — until Monday that is, Politico reports.

The agency formally dumped more than 80 media industry regulations. Other rules the FCC tossed include the “broadcast flag” digital copy protection rule that courts overturned and those pertaining to the cable programming service tier rate.

Monday’s action constituted part of the commission’s response to an executive order from President Barack Obama implementing a “government-wide review of regulations already on the books” to strike unnecessary rules.

The Fairness Doctrine, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented in 1949 to require broadcasters to present both sides of controversial issues, became less relevant as cable TV exploded in the 1980s. So the FCC dropped the rule in 1987, but it never...